Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular retail payment option for shoppers of all ages. So, if you are looking for a way to get some new eyewear, you have the option of joining thousands of Australians that enjoy the option of BNPL.
There are various BNPL options online and in stores. By using one of the various payment platforms, you can take home your glasses immediately and repay the purchase amount in instalments over several weeks. Many payment platforms, accessible on iOS and Android, are available at over 20,000 bricks-and-mortar or online stores across Australia.
How Does BNPL Work?
BNPL services offer an intermediary finance service between customers and retailers. Customers can link their credit or debit card to their BNPL account—which usually happens with immediate approval in-store or online. Some payment services will make a ‘soft’ credit enquiry before opening an account. This enquiry is usually a request for your credit history that may not affect your credit score. Once approved, payment instalments are automatically charged to your debit or credit card.
Does Buy Now Pay Later Charge Interest?
BNPL platforms don’t charge shoppers any interest, although they do impose a fee from retailers who offer it as a service. However, late fees do apply if you do not meet the payments as scheduled
Late fees apply on any missed instalments such as not enough credit left on a maxed-out credit card or if there are insufficient funds in your linked bank account.
If you’re using a credit card with a BNPL platform, you will be charged interest by your credit card provider if the full outstanding monthly balance is not received and processed by the credit card company on the due date. We recommend you confirm all credit card fees with your credit card issuer.
Other BNPL fees may apply, depending on which BNPL service you are using, such as:
- Early exit fee
- Monthly account-keeping fees
- Credit establishment fee
- Payment processing fees
Even though no interest is charged, it can be quite easy to accumulate a considerable amount of fees when using BNPL services.
Buy Now Pay Later Platform Option at 20/20 Eyewear
Openpay
Openpay can be used online or in-store and allows you to pay up to two months with no processing fees. Fees apply to higher amounts and longer repayment terms, as well as to late payments.
While there are many options to choose from, paying attention to late fees is very important. All the terms and conditions mentioned above may change at any time.